Sky has confirmed it will launch Europe's first 3D television channel with coverage of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea on 3 April. Sky 3D will show at least five more Premier League games live in the UK before the end of the season, as well as the Football League play-off finals at the end of May.

Although relatively few members of the public have bought 3D TVs so far, BSkyB revealed that more than 1,000 pubs and clubs across the UK and Ireland have signed up for the service.

Leading manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic have recently confirmed plans to launch 3D-compatible sets in the coming months.

"It's fitting that one of the biggest games of the season will be the launch pad for our pioneering Sky 3D service," said Brian Lenz of Sky. "With 3D, seeing really is believing, so it's great news that over 1,000 pubs across country will be able to show the magic of 3D to their customers."

Sky 3D plans to add other sports programming as well as films, documentaries, entertainment and arts programmes later in the year.

The channel will be introduced at no extra cost for subscribers to Sky's top channels and HD pack.

In January, Sky became the first broadcaster in Europe to air a 3D sporting event by carrying Manchester United's 3-1 win at Arsenal in nine pubs across London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin.